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Strickland: No fuel tax hike Also will postpone $200 million in public works projects

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January 8, 2009

By Marc Kovac
Record-Courier Capital Bureau
COLUMBUS " Gov. Ted Strickland said he will not support increases in the state's motor vehicle fuel taxes, as outlined in a task force report submitted to his office this week, and he also isn't backing down from postponing $200 million in state public works projects.
"These are very difficult times for people," Strickland said. "We are in the middle of a recession. People are finding it difficult to meet their most basic obligations. ... And, as I have said and I continue to say, I don't think this is an appropriate time for a tax increase."
He added, "I'm not saying that, at some point in time it may be desirable to consider (hiking the fuel taxes). But this is not the time, in my judgment, to put additional burdens on people, whether it's to buy gasoline or to do anything else that is necessary for people to keep family functioning and pay their bills and meet their obligations."
The state public works funds were part of the $1.57 billion job stimulus package that lawmakers finalized last year, with targeted funding for logistics and distribution improvements, bio products and bio-medical ventures, advanced and renewable energy, historic preservation and higher education work force programs.
Strickland line-item vetoed one section of the stimulus bill, related to the date when $200 million in funds would be transferred from the state's rainy day fund for planned public works projects.
Those funds were to be moved in early July, but Strickland's veto effectively pushed the transfer back a year. The governor said at the time that he would seek alternative funding sources for the costs, rather than the rainy day fund.




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 5 Total Comments
5.
    Posted by Fair Tax January 8, 2009
Lest we not forget, Obama is promising funds for shovel ready infrastructure work. Lets see how much the state of Ohio gets before we even consider raising the state gas tax. Join me in contacting our senators and representitive to ensure that Ohio gets funding it deserves.

Oh by the way, I am a republican that did not vote for Strickland - but this guy is really doing a good job and am glad we have him.

4.
    Posted by DoWhatsRight January 8, 2009
I applaud Governor Strickland. No more tax and no more fees for no reason now way. Portage County should take note of this also. Don't you dare raise our property tax. In fact we will be looking for a tax reduction. If you need more money, sale Keiper car, made Charlene Badger pay back the taxpayers for her child's tuition. After all with both her and her husband getting high pay from the county, they could afford to pay their child's way. Then collect from Becky Porcase she knocks down a good salary from the county and the family has a lot of money. She too can pay her child's way. Mrs. Herrington makes good money, and I believe her husband does also, why didn't they help their daughter instead of letting her get taxpayer's money through the agency Mrs. Herrington works for. These people should be fired and forced to pay back the money. Maybe then we would not need to raise taxes.

3.
    Posted by Vydunas January 8, 2009
Gotta love a Democrat who governs like the Republicans SAY they will govern (and don't).

2.
    Posted by Fishman52 January 8, 2009
He needs to make a "no gasoline tax hike never, ever, period", pledge. He's only half way there. Good start though.

1.
    Posted by nottamomma January 8, 2009
Thank You Gov. Strickland...about time someone seen things from our point of veiw..us people cant afford to live as it is let a lone be taxed more

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